Do you remember Dr. Laura? Several years ago, on her radio talk show, she took a call from a sixteen-year-old girl who complained that her parents made her go to church with them. She claimed that she is an atheist and it is not fair that her parents subject her to a belief system that is contrary to her own.
Dr. Laura questioned her unbelief and emphasized that, in order to be credible, her position must be defended by sound reasoning. Dr. Laura wisely pointed out that millions of bright, educated and thinking people for thousands of years have concluded and defended a belief in a real God. It, therefore, seemed ignorant and foolish that a sixteen-year-old could dogmatically assert that there is no god. I think, at best, the girl can only be agnostic. There is no shame in admitting that one does not know for certain that God exists. That is what you call “ignorance” and ignorance is fixable; stupidity is forever.
When one avowed atheist sued the federal government, in the ninth circuit court of appeals, to have the phrase “under God” removed from the flag salute, he argued that subjecting his daughter to the mere mention of God violates the constitutional prohibition for the government to establish a religion.
The most important question that demands an answer is, “Does God exist?” And quite frankly, it really doesn’t matter much whether or not we acknowledge Him in our flag salute. We can take Him off our money, we can expel Him from our schools and we can bar Him from our courts. But His existence can neither be established nor nullified by popular consensus.
So is there any substantive evidence for the existence of God? Consider this.
TRADITION
About 75 years ago, evolutionists began to tell us that the concept of one god is the apex of a gradual development from the belief in many gods. But historical research challenges those assumptions. It is increasingly clear that the oldest known traditions of all peoples worldwide were of one single supreme God.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
The transformed lives of millions of true believers and their experiences provide evidence, although subjective, that cannot be ignored. Their personal testimonies are worthy of consideration just as testimonial evidence is considered in a secular court of law. And furthermore, even the written testimonies of the deceased stands.
PHYSICAL LAW
Legitimate scientific law must conclude that there is a god. The law of cause and effect insists that “no effect can be produced without a cause.” Even evolutionists, as they consider everything they see in the physical universe, agree on that but eventually all their theories must lead them to an "uncaused cause", which they can only describe as a “big bang.” But even the “big bang” required some material substance so they are left with the unexplained or the "unc
aused cause."
NATURE
There are vast and incredible evidences of order and design in the universe. The Earth itself is evidence of design. Its size is perfect. If smaller, an atmosphere would be impossible. If larger, it would contain free hydrogen. Its distance from the sun is correct to maintain temperatures to sustain life. The moon is unique in comparison to the moons of other planets. It is much larger and has an effect on the continents and oceans. The tilt of the Earth’s axis ensures the seasons. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Psalm 19:1
O.K. The fact that the vast majority of humanity, at all times and in all places, has believed in some kind of god is not conclusive proof. The majority can be wrong. And the testimony of believers is too subjective and could be unreliable. And even if we admit an uncaused cause, and, even though there are many indications of God in nature, nature cannot conclusively demonstrate that He exists or what He is like. Even the Bible, in the book of Job, asks the rhetorical question, ”Can you find God by searching for Him?” The obvious answer is “NO,” not unless He reveals Himself.
A few years ago, I attended a seminar at a local high school where a scientist, who was a Christian, was making his case for the existence of God. A woman in the audience stood and asked him this question; “If there really is a god, why doesn’t he simply show himself to the world and settle this matter once and for all?”
She acted as though she could believe if she could see for herself. But the truth is, she would not. If God would do that for you, would you then believe? The reality is, He has taken the initiative throughout history to communicate to men. But His fullest revelation has been His invasion into human history in the person of Jesus Christ. The most conclusive evidence that there is a God is that He has visited us and revealed Himself to us. All other indicators are mere clues or hints. The confirmation of those indicators is the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So, then, there is evidence from tradition, human experience, nature, and science but most importantly, there is the evidence of direct revelation. Therefore, our faith can be sure and is, in fact, more reasonable than the foolish faith of atheists.
That’s right, a belief that there is no god is a remarkable act of foolish, indefensible faith that can only be explained by understanding that to conclude otherwise would demand a change in attitude or behavior.
There is a God and He can be known in personal experience. He has given us sufficient evidence for His existence. He has shown Himself to the world, but just like that woman in the seminar, many people refuse to believe.
But the day will come when everyone will acknowledge His existence,
For the Scriptures say,”‘ As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,’ every knee will bow to me and every tongue will confess allegiance to God.’” (Rom. 14:11)
5-08
Dr. Laura questioned her unbelief and emphasized that, in order to be credible, her position must be defended by sound reasoning. Dr. Laura wisely pointed out that millions of bright, educated and thinking people for thousands of years have concluded and defended a belief in a real God. It, therefore, seemed ignorant and foolish that a sixteen-year-old could dogmatically assert that there is no god. I think, at best, the girl can only be agnostic. There is no shame in admitting that one does not know for certain that God exists. That is what you call “ignorance” and ignorance is fixable; stupidity is forever.
When one avowed atheist sued the federal government, in the ninth circuit court of appeals, to have the phrase “under God” removed from the flag salute, he argued that subjecting his daughter to the mere mention of God violates the constitutional prohibition for the government to establish a religion.
The most important question that demands an answer is, “Does God exist?” And quite frankly, it really doesn’t matter much whether or not we acknowledge Him in our flag salute. We can take Him off our money, we can expel Him from our schools and we can bar Him from our courts. But His existence can neither be established nor nullified by popular consensus.
So is there any substantive evidence for the existence of God? Consider this.
TRADITION
About 75 years ago, evolutionists began to tell us that the concept of one god is the apex of a gradual development from the belief in many gods. But historical research challenges those assumptions. It is increasingly clear that the oldest known traditions of all peoples worldwide were of one single supreme God.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
The transformed lives of millions of true believers and their experiences provide evidence, although subjective, that cannot be ignored. Their personal testimonies are worthy of consideration just as testimonial evidence is considered in a secular court of law. And furthermore, even the written testimonies of the deceased stands.
PHYSICAL LAW
Legitimate scientific law must conclude that there is a god. The law of cause and effect insists that “no effect can be produced without a cause.” Even evolutionists, as they consider everything they see in the physical universe, agree on that but eventually all their theories must lead them to an "uncaused cause", which they can only describe as a “big bang.” But even the “big bang” required some material substance so they are left with the unexplained or the "unc
aused cause."NATURE
There are vast and incredible evidences of order and design in the universe. The Earth itself is evidence of design. Its size is perfect. If smaller, an atmosphere would be impossible. If larger, it would contain free hydrogen. Its distance from the sun is correct to maintain temperatures to sustain life. The moon is unique in comparison to the moons of other planets. It is much larger and has an effect on the continents and oceans. The tilt of the Earth’s axis ensures the seasons. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Psalm 19:1
O.K. The fact that the vast majority of humanity, at all times and in all places, has believed in some kind of god is not conclusive proof. The majority can be wrong. And the testimony of believers is too subjective and could be unreliable. And even if we admit an uncaused cause, and, even though there are many indications of God in nature, nature cannot conclusively demonstrate that He exists or what He is like. Even the Bible, in the book of Job, asks the rhetorical question, ”Can you find God by searching for Him?” The obvious answer is “NO,” not unless He reveals Himself.
A few years ago, I attended a seminar at a local high school where a scientist, who was a Christian, was making his case for the existence of God. A woman in the audience stood and asked him this question; “If there really is a god, why doesn’t he simply show himself to the world and settle this matter once and for all?”
She acted as though she could believe if she could see for herself. But the truth is, she would not. If God would do that for you, would you then believe? The reality is, He has taken the initiative throughout history to communicate to men. But His fullest revelation has been His invasion into human history in the person of Jesus Christ. The most conclusive evidence that there is a God is that He has visited us and revealed Himself to us. All other indicators are mere clues or hints. The confirmation of those indicators is the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So, then, there is evidence from tradition, human experience, nature, and science but most importantly, there is the evidence of direct revelation. Therefore, our faith can be sure and is, in fact, more reasonable than the foolish faith of atheists.
That’s right, a belief that there is no god is a remarkable act of foolish, indefensible faith that can only be explained by understanding that to conclude otherwise would demand a change in attitude or behavior.
There is a God and He can be known in personal experience. He has given us sufficient evidence for His existence. He has shown Himself to the world, but just like that woman in the seminar, many people refuse to believe.
But the day will come when everyone will acknowledge His existence,
For the Scriptures say,”‘ As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,’ every knee will bow to me and every tongue will confess allegiance to God.’” (Rom. 14:11)
5-08
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